John "Cactus Jack" Harry Emrich

John “Cactus Jack” H. Emrich

John “Cactus Jack” Harry Emrich, 79, of Middletown and Holiday, FL passed away peacefully on Monday, March 19, 2018.  He was born Tuesday, July 12, 1938 in Middletown to the late John W. and Elizabeth D. (Fach) Emrich.  He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Lou (Welsh) Emrich. 

Jack was a graduate of Middletown Area High School.  Following graduation he proudly served in the United States Army.  Jack retired from Hershey Foods where he worked as a machine operator.  He was a member of many veteran and civic organizations including: VFW Post 1620, American Legion Post 594, Rescue Hose Company, St. Lawrence Lodge #13, Middletown Moose Lodge 410, Elks Lodge 1074, and the AMVets of Florida.  Cactus enjoyed playing football, basketball, and softball, as well as coaching the Middletown VFW men’s fast pitch softball team and the American Legion youth basketball team.  In addition to playing and coaching, he was an avid fan of PSU and Georgia Football. 

In addition to his wife he is survived by his faithful and loving k-9 companion, Cocoa; and 2 sisters, Ruth Ann Shuler and Patricia Koons.  He was predeceased by a brother, Robert Emrich. 

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 28, 2018 at noon at New Beginnings Church, 630 S. Union St., Middletown 17057 with Pastor Britt Strohecker and Pastor Samuel Fallinger officiating.  Family and friends are invited for viewing from 10 AM until time of the service.  Burial will be private in Hillsdale Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Fager-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 208 N. Union St., Middletown 17057.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Gulfside Hospice, 2061 Collier Pkwy, Land O’Lakes, FL 34639. 

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